Influencer Editorial Team
Hunter Biden’s daughter, Naomi, took the stand on Friday in his federal gun trial, recounting her visit to her father at a California rehab center and noting his apparent improvement in the weeks leading up to his purchase of a revolver in 2018. Naomi shared her memories softly with the jurors, describing a reunion at a coffee shop with her father and his “sober coach.” Before leaving the courtroom, she paused to hug her father.
The defense began calling witnesses shortly after federal prosecutors concluded their case. Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, questioned another gun store clerk present during the purchase of the gun, raising doubts about inconsistencies on the form. Lowell also questioned the store owner who permitted the sale using Hunter’s passport, despite it lacking an address.
Naomi’s testimony highlighted her trip from Washington to New York in October 2018 in her father’s truck to move her boyfriend’s belongings. She described Hunter as seeming “great” and “hopeful,” and stated she saw no drug paraphernalia or signs of drug use in his vehicle. However, prosecutors presented texts showing Hunter’s delayed responses to Naomi regarding switching cars, with one message sent at 2 a.m. asking for his truck keys.
As court broke for lunch, Hunter Biden left the courtroom holding hands with first lady Jill Biden, who had returned from France for the proceedings. The trial, which will resume on Monday, has so far focused on demonstrating the severity of Hunter Biden’s drug issues to prove he lied on a gun-purchase form about not being an illegal drug user.
Earlier in the week, jurors heard from Hunter’s ex-wife and a former girlfriend, who testified about his habitual crack use and unsuccessful attempts to get him clean. The prosecution presented images of Hunter in compromising situations, including videos of him weighing crack cocaine on a scale.
The defense has argued that Hunter did not consider himself an “addict” at the time of the gun purchase and did not intend to deceive anyone. President Joe Biden has stated he would accept the jury’s verdict and has ruled out pardoning his son.
Hunter Biden faces three felony charges related to lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making a false claim on the application, and illegally possessing the gun for 11 days. He has pleaded not guilty. He initially hoped to resolve the gun case and a separate tax case with a plea deal, which fell apart last year due to unresolved legal questions.
If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison, though first-time offenders rarely receive the maximum sentence. He also faces another trial in September on charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes.
